Study to analyze rhetorical techniques of acting practiced in Europe since 16th century. ABSTRACT: Study to analyze rhetorical techniques of acting practiced in Europe since 16th century. Because psychological realism, which requires subjective performances, has dominated theatre since late 19th century, today's actors--particularly in the US--are poorly equipped to perform classic and new metaphoric drama in the rhetorical fashion essential for a good production. Whereas European theatre schools teach classical technique by methods described in 18th and 19th century acting instruction books, American actors rely on psychologically realistic approach, thus prevent them from achieving distinction in performance of classic and non-realistic plays. Present project to trace rethorical tradition to its sources in the stylistic rhetoric and aesthetic behavior of 16th and 17th centuries and to develop a publication and teaching program encompassing theory and practice of classical performance, will provide source of materials and methods for improving quality of American acting and will increase understanding of US relations to European art from an historical perspective. Funds for salary, travel, interpreters, supplies, services.